Having recently joined Designer Travel, their annual conference was an invaluable chance to connect with new colleagues, reunite with old friends and strengthen bonds with our trusted suppliers.
It was also an opportunity to meet the fantastic support team and get insights from our inspirational directors about last year’s incredible journey plus a sneak peek into the company’s exciting plans ahead.
The conference was held at the magnificent 5-star Ikos Andalusia, close to Marbella, where we enjoyed a delightful three-night stay. Ikos Resorts are synonymous with luxury and exceptional hospitality and let me tell you, it's easy to understand why they've earned their iconic reputation - it was simply breathtaking.
Ikos offers seven distinctive resorts across five stunning destinations, including mainland Spain and Mallorca, the Greek islands of Kos and Corfu, and the magnificent Halkidiki region of Northern Greece.
All these resorts boast beachfront locations and a variety of dining experiences curated by Michelin-starred chefs, complemented by an extensive selection of over 300 premium wines and creative cocktails.
What sets Ikos apart is their incredible All-Inclusive concept, which includes:
Unlimited à la carte dining
Selected local and international branded drinks
Beach and pool service
Fully stocked mini-bar with branded spirits replenished daily
24-hour room service
Selected sports and activities
Kids clubs catering to ages from 4 months to teens
Dine-out option
Local discovery programme with complimentary use of a Tesla for one full day per stay
Consider upgrading to the Deluxe Collection rooms for an extra luxury touch. Located in prime spots within the resort, these suites offer exclusive perks, like a bottle of Taittinger upon arrival, dedicated concierge service, access to an exclusive outdoor pool, and complimentary spa treatments.
All the conference attendees flew to Malaga with TUI from three different UK airports: Gatwick, Manchester and East Midlands, with each flight departing at 6 am.
My flight from Gatwick landed first. After the shock of how much luggage we managed to bring for just three nights, we hopped onto the coach for a 55-minute transfer to the resort.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Designer Travel’s directors, Amanda and Karen, with a glass of bubbly and something that had been sorely missed in the UK – sunshine. 😊
As the hotel had just re-opened for the new season, our rooms were promptly prepared for us. After a quick freshen-up, it was time to explore the offerings awaiting us.
Ikos Andalusia boasts over 400 rooms and suites, along with two ultra-spacious, state-of-the-art, four-bedroom villas, introduced for the 2024 season.
We were lucky to be among the first to explore these villas, and they truly impressed! Each villa features a private pool, a garden with a barbecue area and an indoor gym, and can comfortably accommodate up to nine guests – making it an ideal choice for a multi-generational family seeking a special celebration.
I stayed in an incredibly spacious Superior ground floor room with its own small, enclosed garden, a generous bathroom and most importantly, an extremely comfortable bed.
At Ikos Andalusia, you're spoiled for choice with a staggering nine heated pools (including one exclusively for adults), six bars and eight exquisite à la carte restaurants. From the flavours of Greece, Italy, Spain, France and Asia to the Mediterranean buffet at Flavors, there's something for every palate. Plus, three of these restaurants are open for breakfast, ensuring plenty of options to start the day off right.
Our full conference day was held at Tikitano by Besaya, just a short stroll along the seafront and one of the partner restaurants included in Ikos' dine-out concept package.
We were treated to inspiring presentations from our hosts and leadership team, setting the tone for an engaging day ahead. Following this, we enjoyed an afternoon filled with pre-arranged appointments with a selection of our guest suppliers.
These sessions were incredibly informative, providing the chance to forge new connections and invaluable insights into new hotels, offers and destinations.
The following day presented us with a range of options to explore the local area. Having never previously ventured to this part of Spain, I opted to join the excursion to Marbella Old Town.
Despite the day starting with a downpour, it was ideal for strolling through charming local shops nestled in picturesque, cobbled streets that opened onto pretty squares filled with inviting bars and restaurants.
As evening fell, we gathered for the gala dinner and awards back at Tikitano, with a dress code shimmering in metallics - silver, rose or gold. The setting was magical, with a stunning sunset providing a breathtaking backdrop.
The evening was a true highlight, filled with delightful food and the joy of witnessing new colleagues being recognised for their outstanding achievements over the past 12 months.
What an inspiring conference! It was delightful to experience a first-class hotel, connect with new colleagues and leave feeling invigorated and entirely confident that transitioning my business was unquestionably the best decision for me and my clients.
A heartfelt thank you to Designer Travel for extending such a warm welcome, and to TUI, Ikos and the Andalucia Tourist Board for their kind hospitality throughout our stay.
